Kitesurf365 - TechCast #24 | Episode #405

Date: September 8, 2025
Host: Adrian Kerr
Guest: Dave Kay (DK)

Episode Overview

This TechCast episode is an AMA (Ask Me Anything) featuring host Adrian Kerr and returning co-host/guest DK. The duo addresses technical questions from listeners—primarily sourced from the Portrait Discord, forums, and email—about the latest in kiteboard technology, big events like Woo Worlds and Red Bull Megaloop, and deep-dives into gear such as fins, bar/line geometry, and prototypes. The conversation maintains a friendly, detailed, and slightly nerdy dive into the nuts and bolts of the sport.

Main Topics and Key Discussion Points

1. The Excitement of Kiteboarding’s Event Season (00:38–02:00)

• Spring signals the real start of big action: Both hosts are “amped” as Woo Worlds approaches, marking the beginning of a cascade of major events leading up to the King of the Air (KOTA) finals and Christmas.
• There’s a sense of anticipation: “…my froth level just starts at the start of spring …then it ramps to the start of Woo Worlds and then it ramps after we worlds all the way through to the final of Kota.” (DK, 00:38)

2. Color Transfer on Wet Kites – Salt vs. Freshwater (02:52–07:14)

Key Question:

Does color transfer between panels occur if a kite is packed wet in salt water?

• Water-based dyes in kite fabrics mean all colored panels can potentially stain each other when pressed together wet, especially in heat/humidity—a situation chemically similar to the actual dyeing process.
• Color transfer is more severe with freshwater than saltwater, but both can cause issues.
  • “Fresh water is always going to be much worse for this than salt water… but it does happen with salt water as well.” (DK, 06:14)
• Best practice: Always try to dry your kite before storage. If wet, unpack and air it as soon as possible, preferably somewhere cool.
• Impact: Staining is only cosmetic—the kite's durability or performance is unaffected.

Memorable Quote

“If you put the kite into a situation where you have a very dark color piece of fabric sitting against a very light colored piece of fabric and you add a little bit of moisture and a little bit of temperature… you will get color transfer.”
(DK, 04:18)

3. Fin Evolution: Portal, Aquafin, Orca, and Board Compatibility (07:14–28:37)

Listener Questions:

Will new fin technology lead brands to rethink board design or just stick with what works? What are the implications of new “tunnel” or “curved” fins?

• Fins as an integral tuning device: DK stresses that good designers choose fin design before shaping the board. Fins fine-tune how the board performs.
  • “Fin design is not an afterthought... It's very fundamental. When it starts right at the very beginning…” (DK, 07:49)
• Effects of the latest fins:
  • More grip = Higher jumps: New larger/curved fins help riders hold an edge longer, dramatically improving jump height—but at a cost.
  • Trade-offs:
    • Less playfulness, tougher to pull off the water, harder rotations, increased risk of tripping/falling on landings.
    • “There has definitely been feedback saying these fins create boards that are almost impossible to pull off the water... but everything else becomes harder.” (DK, 12:40)
  • Some brands/designs may be incompatible due to the physical shape of board channels and mounting systems—always check compatibility.
• Market Penetration:
  • Standardization—most brands use the same 38mm mounting hole spacing—has enabled 3rd-party fins to gain traction.
• “Trickle Down” from Pro Trends:
  • Pro rider adoption (e.g., Andrea Principe using Portal fins) could quickly lead to mainstream use—the board/fin relationship may echo the rise of big handles.

Memorable Quotes

“Fins are a tuning device...they're aimed squarely at one particular niche...to hold on as long as possible before you leave the water...”
(DK, 10:08)

“If you're curious about any of these modern ones, I highly recommend you grab a set and try them...But also be prepared for...some downsides.”
(DK, 13:46)

Practical Advice

• Trying fins is easy and comparatively cheap—bolting on/off different sets can change a board’s character swiftly.
• Always try aftermarket fins on your own board for a true comparison.

4. Line Geometry at Red Bull Megaloop: High V vs. Low V (28:48–42:21)

Listener Question:

Do high V kites have an advantage at Megaloop when everyone must use 18m lines? Plus, the timeless High V vs. Low V debate.

• Event Context: Megaloop requires 18m maximum line length to get proper “megaloop” (versus “heliloop”) action—forcing designers and riders to adapt.
• High V Advantages:
  • Kites designed around high-V (e.g., Duotone, Harlem) are more likely to fly correctly out-of-the-bag on 18m low-V setups, as the bridle and line geometry stay consistent.
  • “Any of the kites...designed and tuned for a high V setup...are going to be likely flying very well compared to kites on a low V setup…” (DK, 29:17)
• Low V Kites:
  • Typically, would need bridle retuning when flown on short lines to avoid distortion and sub-optimal flight characteristics.
  • Some brands/riders (e.g., Harlem) are already deep in bridle optimization for this.
• General Guidance:
  • Always fly a kite on the line/bar setup it was designed around—unless you have a specific reason to experiment.
  • Swapping V styles or line lengths affects performance unpredictably—it may suit your tastes, but it isn’t inherently “better.”

Memorable Quotes

“If you are a professional rider and want to pursue short line lengths, you need to work with your kite designer to retune the bridle... you’ll get a better performing kite.”
(DK, 32:11)

5. Kite Prototyping: Numbers, Waste, and Sustainability (42:21–54:36)

Listener Question:

What happens to all the prototypes kite designers make? Can they be reused?

• Quantity:
  • Ranges from 30–50 per season per new design; extreme cases (like Duotone’s Rebel) run 100+.
    • “I’ve seen interviews... the new Rebel is somewhere way north of 100 prototypes for a new range.” (DK, 44:07)
  • Smaller brands must work more efficiently, with fewer but more targeted prototypes, often focusing heavily on bridle tuning.
• Post-testing Fate:
  • Big brands destroy prototypes for liability and insurance reasons; some go into long-term testing, some are recycled.
  • Smaller brands (like Lacuna) try to reuse or sell “good” prototypes locally, recycle fabric, and salvage bladders.
  • Aesthetically, prototypes are often mismatched in color with minimal printing; some are used in photoshoots if close to final spec.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “My froth level just starts at the start of spring...” (DK, 00:38)
• “If you put the kite into a situation... add a little bit of water, put it somewhere warm, you’re going to end up with staining.” (DK, 05:08)
• "Fin design is not an afterthought. It's very fundamental..." (DK, 07:49)
• "These fins create boards that are almost impossible to pull off the water..." (DK, 12:40)
• “If you’re curious about any of these modern ones, I highly recommend you grab a set and try them.” (DK, 13:46)
• “Any of the kites...designed and tuned for a high V setup...are going to be likely flying very well...” (DK, 29:17)
• "If you are a professional rider and want to pursue short line lengths, you need to...retune the bridle..." (DK, 32:11)
• "30 to 50 prototypes is like what you need to budget on for a new…season design." (DK, 43:21)
• “But the rest of the prototypes…we would keep them for a year...as soon as that model is superseded…destroyed.” (DK, 47:10)
• “We’re super, super stoked… If you want to set a new Woo pb, you need to get your hands on this kite. It goes up.” (DK, 56:10)

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:38 | Season excitement & upcoming event preview | | 02:52–07:14 | Wet kite storage & color bleed explained | | 07:14–28:37 | Deep dive into fin evolution, pros/cons, compatibility | | 28:48–42:21 | High V vs. Low V for Megaloop event; bridle tuning discussion | | 42:21–54:36 | Prototyping: numbers, process, disposal, recycling, small brand approach | | 56:10 | Launch of Lacuna Alpha V4 and closing remarks |

Takeaways

• Kite technology often follows the bleeding edge set by elite riders and fast-moving smaller brands.
• Simple gear tweaks (fins, line geometry) have nuanced impacts—testing for your style/conditions is essential.
• Event requirements like mandatory 18m lines trigger both bridle retuning and potential evolution in production kites.
• Sustainable practices in prototyping vary with brand size and legal constraints, but smaller brands often find creative ways to minimize waste.

For more technical deep dives on all things kiteboarding, follow Kitesurf365 and check out the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Stay tuned for further AMA TechCasts dissecting the next big questions in kiteboarding gear and events!